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Every year, on one designated Sunday in spring, Easter is celebrated. Initially stemming as a religious festival to commemorate biblical events, Easter has evolved, becoming influenced by diverse religious traditions. It is a complex holiday with origins that blend ancient pagan customs with Christian beliefs, symbolizing themes of rebirth, renewal and hope across cultures and throughout history.
The celebration of Easter has become linked to symbolic representations of flowers, painted eggs, chocolates and the iconic presence of bunnies. Personally, I enjoy celebrating Easter as a way to look forward to the arrival of the spring season (and warmer weather!).
Here, I have compiled a few Easter activities to celebrate the day.
Egg decorating
Get creative with dyes, paints, stickers or markers to decorate Easter eggs. Let your imagination run wild as you envision vibrant designs and patterns to adorn each egg. Whether you prefer bold and colourful designs or delicate patterns, there are endless possibilities.
For an extra dose of fun, consider having an egg-decorating contest with friends or family. Challenge each other to come up with the most creative and eye-catching designs, and let the friendly competition be the excitement of the day.
However, my favourite Easter activity comes with its challenges. One of the most complicated aspects of this process is attempting to hollow out the eggs without damaging them. There are multiple techniques you can search online, but the method I have always used involves carefully pricking a small hole on both ends of the egg and using air to dispense the yolk. It requires patience and precision, but the end result is well worth the effort. Once you have hollowed out the eggs, do not forget to save the yolks and put them to good use by cooking up an egg dish.
Brunch
SugarBowl's charming old western ambiance sets a pleasant atmosphere, and its reasonable prices make it a great dining option. It has a wide variety of menu options but is limited to gluten-intolerant individuals. Among its menu options, the most popular and fastest-selling item is cinnamon buns, making it a must-try option. Just beware that it is often very busy, so make sure to get there early enough, especially on weekends.
Earls might not immediately spring to mind when considering all your brunch options, but its location on North Campus and affordable items make it a great option. Not only does it have a menu that incorporates vegetarian and gluten-free options, but they have a brunch happy hour, from opening to noon, offering lower priced menu options. The inviting interior ambiance makes it one of my favourite choices.
Millcreek Cafe is a cute little restaurant-cafe that offers great brunch options tailored to vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free eaters (they even have gluten-free toast!). If you have a craving for some latkes (shredded potato pancakes), their menu offers two very tasty options. With its affordable prices and cozy atmosphere, it's an inviting spot to enjoy a delightful Easter breakfast.
Easter Films
Settle in for some quality movie time and immerse yourself in the spirit of Easter with a selection of delightful Easter-themed movies. Whether you are spending the day with family and friends or enjoying some solo relaxation, watching films is sure to bring joy and entertainment to your Easter celebrations. Just to name a few, my preferred lighthearted Easter-themed movies include Hop (2011) and Peter Rabbit (2018). With their charming characters, soundtracks and skillful animation, these two films are perfect for all ages. But if you are in the mood for a classic tale of friendship, look no further than It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974). It is an oldie but a goody. Its timeless charm and endearing characters make it a beloved Easter classic for audiences young and old. Or, if you want to stick to a more traditional and biblical story, try Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments (1956). As you watch Charlton Heston's iconic portrayal of Moses, you'll be reminded of themes such as redemption and liberation.
Grab some popcorn (and chocolate!) and enjoy a day filled with Easter-themed movies that celebrate the joy, hope and renewal of the day.
Visit the Vegreville Egg
If you are willing to drive outside of Edmonton, approximately 108km (~1 hour drive), consider a trip to the Vegreville Egg. This colossal sculpture stands 3 feet tall, spans 18 feet wide and weighs 5,000 pounds, making it the largest Easter egg sculpture in the world. Canadian-Ukrainian artist Paul Maxym Sembaliuk designed the sculpture as a tribute to the Ukrainian Canadian population and the early Ukrainian settlement in Alberta. Despite the finished sculpture being in an egg, it was meticulously assembled by 3,500 individual pieces of aluminum.
When I first visited the egg, I was shocked by its sheer size and intricate details. The surface is adorned with a mesmerizing pattern and the smoothness hinted at the care and precision with which it was created.
Easter remains a cherished spring holiday. From egg decorating to enjoying a delightful brunch and indulging in Easter-themed films, there are numerous ways to commemorate the occasion. However you choose to celebrate, have fun with friends or family, and don't forget to munch on some chocolates throughout the day! Easter is an egg-cellent chance for finding excuses to eat chocolate!